The Director General of the National Youths Service Corps, Brig Gen Yusha’u Ahmed, says the scheme has been interacting with the kidnappers of the eighth remaining corps members and a driver, kidnapped in Zamfara state while on their way to orientation camp in Sokoto State.
General Yusha’u disclosed this when he appeared before the house of Representatives committee on youth.
He said there is full synergy between the security agencies to ensure the speedy release of the corps members, advising corps members to always avoid night travels.
The DG added that three of the corps members had earlier escaped from the kidnappers while one that was shot was released and is receiving treatment.
He also also announced that there are plans to increase allowance of corps members but that the scheme was waiting for the increase in minimum wage by the federal government.
General Yusha’u solicited the corporation of the National Assembly for the NYSC Trust Fund which will enable the scheme to empower corps members after the compulsory one year national service.
The Chairman of the committee, Honourable Martins Esin, directed the Management of the NYSC to visit the families of the abducted Corps members within the next seven days.
While commending the DG for the steps taken so far, the committee chairman also urged the scheme to synergize with other intelligence outfits to ensure the safety of its members across the country.
He observed that the NYSC should arrange a rehabilitation for the perspective corps members when released eventually.
A member from Akwa Ibom state, Clement Jimboh called for a dedicated bus to be provided to convey prospective corps Members to the camps during orientation.